By Rodgers Omondi, Busia
Stakeholders of Kisoko Boys Primary School and local residents have condemned the vandalism of an ongoing Sh3 million water project, describing the act as a major setback to efforts aimed at addressing the area’s long-standing water shortage.
The project, initiated by Busia County Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo, was intended to supply clean water to Kisoko Boys Primary School, Kisoko Girls School, St. Martin Special School, a local church, and the surrounding community.
Speaking on behalf of residents, Kisoko Sub-location Assistant Chief Denis Kafwa said the project would directly benefit more than 5,000 people and significantly improve access to clean water.
“This project was meant to benefit the entire community and nearby schools. Water scarcity has been a major challenge in this area, and the project was a great relief to many families,” he said.
Kafwa assured residents that security agencies had launched investigations into the incident and vowed that those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted.
“We will not allow the destruction of projects meant to improve people’s lives. I urge residents not to be misled into sabotaging development but instead protect projects that benefit the community,” he added.
Kisoko Boys Primary and Junior School Headteacher Joblitus Barasa said the school had struggled with water shortages for years and appealed to the Woman Representative to ensure the project is completed despite the setback.
“Only the installation of pipes remained before the vandalism occurred. This project would have solved the school’s water crisis while also serving the surrounding community,” he said.
Barasa emphasized that the school remains non-political, noting that learners have been forced to carry water from home or rely on neighbouring institutions.
Senior teacher Joan Orengo said pupils often spend valuable learning time searching for water, affecting their academic performance.
“At times, learners fetch water from Msokolo stream which is far from the school, this interferes with their studies. The water project would also have supported our agricultural projects undertaken by our learners through irrigation,” she said.
Community coordinator Michael Odinga condemned the vandalism, saying the project had progressed smoothly without any resistance until the incident.
“This was a community project, not an individual’s project. Destroying it is a huge disappointment to residents who have struggled with water scarcity for years. We urge the Woman Representative to complete the project despite this unfortunate setback,” he said.
He added that the community fully supports leaders implementing development projects and warned against attempts to frustrate such initiatives.
Kisoko Boys Primary School Board Chairman Chrispinus Papa also cautioned politicians against interfering with development projects.
“It took nearly three years to secure this project because we knew it would benefit the community and neighboring schools. Development should not be sacrificed for politics. When the time comes, residents will judge leaders based on their development record,” he said.
